US, Philippines hold combat drills across disputed South China Sea

Tribune Web Desk

Updated At : 01:24 PM Apr 12, 2023 IST

Manila, April 11

American and Filipino forces on Tuesday launched their largest combat exercises in decades in Philippine waters across the disputed South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, where Washington has repeatedly warned China over its increasingly aggressive actions.

The annual drills by the longtime treaty allies called Balikatan — Tagalog for “shoulder-to-shoulder” — will run up to April 28 and involve more than 17,600 soldiers.

The drills will showcase US warships, fighter jets as well as Patriot missiles, HIMARS rocket launchers and anti-tank Javelins.

— AP

US, Philippines hold combat drills across disputed South China Sea

Tribune Web Desk

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